My son is a type one diabetic. Keeping him safe and healthy can be a bit stressful . . Let's face it, I am not a pancreas, i am human. Often-with type 1 diabetes-illness really complicates life. Often- ketones develop from very high stubborn blood sugar levels caused by the stress on the body from the illness. Treatment requires extra vigilant care, extra pokes, extra insulin... extra TLC.. extra everything. Add in a new pump (we are LOOPING! #wearenotwaiting), retraining for said pump and well it's A LOT. Anyway, after being away from school sick, Talan decided he was ready to go back today. I was so thankful because i had a hair appointment booked for a month that i was very excited to go to. Unfortunately, early in the day I noticed his blood sugar was high- it wouldn't come down. I called him and he wasn't feeling like himself and reluctantly he wanted to come home (totally expected). Talan had large ketones-it's complicated to explain but basically in a person with type 1, ketones can buy you a ticket to the ICU quickly if not treated properly. It requires giving frequent doses of insulin and careful monitoring to clear the body of said ketones.. Anyway- after I picked Talan up we started his increased insulin doses and went to grab lunch. Well, because he requires careful watching of blood sugars, I decided to bring him with me to my coveted hair salon appointment (don't worry, i didn't drag him..he said he was feeling ok to go)
When I got to my appointment the nice receptionist called me over to whisper that my son was not allowed to be in the salon. She repeatedly apologized that she has to follow the rules but she wasn't allowed to let him stay. Well, the owner, who was at the salon at the time, would surely understand my predicament... right? NO- the owner of the salon kicked us out! Yes- no children allowed, period, no exceptions under any circumstance. Now for the record- I've been going to this salon for 5 years and do know about the policy. I've never asked for an exception to be made (which is a miracle as far as I'm concerned with 4 kids!), but, I thought, today being extenuating circumstances, coupled with Talan being an older child and not being a rambunctious kid an exception wouldn't be an unreasonable ask. Especially for a loyal customer of more than 5 years. Boy was I wrong. Despite the salon being nearly empty, the owner of @studio486 came out wagging her finger at me (literally) telling me that the policy is stated on the answering machine and there would be NO exceptions. i would have to reschedule my appointment. To which, I TRIED to explain what was going on with Talan and his care- that I had brought his homework and his lunch and that he would sit quietly while i was getting my hair done. I TRIED to explain that i had a special party for the weekend and really wanted to look my best.. I pointed out the salon was nearly empty, the waiting room had no one else in it, and he could sit and work quietly... to which she then proceeded to get more angry because I was trying to ask for an exception and pointing out he wouldn't bother anyone and basically very rudely kicked us out of the salon. I kept my calm the best I could (if you know me you might be laughing at that statement- but it's been a really tough week) and i walked out with tears in my eyes.
I have NEVER seen an such unprofessional, entitled, business owner with such a blatant disregard for a loyal customer. Her condescending tone and manner lacked empathy, lacked human kindness, understanding, and flexibility. I mean- it's not like I was about to let my two year old run loose wiping boogers on people. We're talking about a 11 year old boy... with homework and his favorite salad in hand. Her complete lack of apathy for the situation, the stylists that pay her for the rented spaces in the salon, and for the momma who just needs her hair done so desperately that she brought her --needs extra eyes on him medically fragile kid- with her- was disgraceful.
I couldn't believe that she could be so inflexible and rude..
So I'm writing all of this to tell everyone to spend their money elsewhere. She doesn't deserve dime. She treated a loyal customer like crap and I highly doubt that she gives a hoot about what she did or the way it made me and my son feel today. I mean, did she think he wasn't smart enough to know when I asked him to go sit in the car that he was unwelcome? Did she at all think, wow this kid might be having a really tough time and just need to be hangin out with his mom right now? Or how about how he felt when he felt he had to apologize to me when we got in the car for making me miss my appointment and feels guilty that he needed to be with me because he has "stupid diabetes"? All I can say is we will NEVER spend money Studio486 again, and hopefully neither will any of you. All of this said the stylist that was going to do my hair handled the tough situation with such grace, and for that i am so grateful. read more